Description: A critical skill (and path to greater satisfaction) is learning how to say no professionally, without getting a reputation as unhelpful, or for making excuses.

Description: The author describes the Society of Actuaries’ Competency Framework [CF], and discusses how actuaries can benefit from using the CF Self-Assessment Tool, which measures your skill level for each of the eight competencies. At the end of the assessment, a PDF file is generated that graphically shows your results along with all the supporting detail. From ‘The Stepping Stone’ issue number 43.

Description: The author, working in his sixth insurance organization, notes the key consideration is having a direction for your life, emphasizing life, not career. The author discusses taking time to write your goals for both your personal and professional life, including career goals, personal goals, and family goals. The author notes that the balance of professional and personal priorities changes over time, so this is definitely not something you only do once in your life, and the goals for your career and the goals of your family need to be reconsidered and discussed throughout your career. From ‘The Stepping Stone’ issue number 43.

Description: Relationship management is your ability to use your awareness of your own emotions and those of others to manage interactions successfully. Given enough time and quality exchanges, we can form a relationship with any person we encounter. We should strive to develop positive relationships with people we like, and even with those we don’t like as much. Once established, both parties will understand each other better and benefit from the connection. Relationships can be challenging, especially at work or under stress. Skillfully managing them will help you initiate direct and productive conversations to alleviate misunderstandings, solve conflicts and achieve desired goals. This article explores strategies to develop the skill of relationship management.

Description: Executives often tell subject matter experts such as actuaries, “You should think more strategically!” But, the executives never define what they mean by “thinking more strategically”. This article defines the skills actuaries need to be perceived as being more strategic. It will provide practical steps actuaries can take to gain more strategic influence and escape the trap of being perceived as only a subject matter expert who provides limited strategic value.

Description: This article provides public speaking guidelines.

Description: This article provides advice and guidance to young actuaries looking to influence their leaders and senior management.

Description: The article hits highlights of of an annual meeting session that featured Sue Ann Collins, Sharon Giffen, and Tonya Manning discussing everything from career development to work life balance.

Description: Eight steps to achieving a personal goal.